"You are too late," she said.
He started, and bent to look at her closely.
From the deep shadow behind her arose Cork's ominous growl. She turned back into the room.
"May I come in?" Sir Kersley asked in his gentle voice.
With her hand upon Cork's collar, she answered him. "Yes, come in. I am afraid it is rather dark. Will you wait while Mrs. Briggs brings a candle?"
Someone else had entered behind Sir Kersley. She heard a quick, decided tread; and again more ferociously Cork growled.
"Take that dog away!" ordered Max.
Mechanically she moved to obey, Cork accompanying her reluctantly. In the passage she found a strange woman in a nurse's uniform, and Nick. He came to her instantly, and she felt his arm about her with a vague sensation of relief.
"Still sleeping?" he asked.
She answered him quite calmly; at that moment it was no effort to be calm.